Picture by Craig Meredith, click to enlarge.
At a loss for what to give the family this Christmas?
A week or a weekend in Park Rapids and Itasca State Park will not disappoint and make memories for years to come.
Some snow blankets the ground and woods, not enough yet for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, but it’s sure to come. Ice on small lakes has begun to thicken, but please be cautious about when and where to set up. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources guidelines on ice thickness are at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State Park Tuesday, Dec. 18. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center lobby between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for assignment of count areas. Stay a few hours or spend the day. For more information on this and other winter events at Itasca, call 218-699-7251.
Seasonal festivities continue, visit the 5th annual Sweets, Treats & Treasures event Saturday, Dec. 8 at Calvary Lutheran Church and enjoy the holiday cookie walk, handcrafted items and gently used holiday decor, sponsored by CHI St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary. Medora’s past and present stars will bring family friendly entertainment for the Medora Magical Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 13 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Tickets at $30 each are available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber.
Downtown Park Rapids invites you to Love Local and find great service and friendly smiles at local stores as you fulfill those Christmas wish lists. On Saturdays, kids will find Santa at Bella Caffé before free children’s Christmas matinees at Park Theater.
All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.
Take time in December to immerse yourself in the season’s small town charm or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable time or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more. – LuAnn Hurd-Lof